OK, you're ready to find a ship and go after your true love. Head out to the shipyard, where Mr Fantastic is waiting to schmooze you and sell you a ship. Oh, but wait. After looking at all the ships, you realize you don't have enough money. You need a letter from the shopkeeper. Head back to the shop.

Ask him for a letter - he'll bring out the form, but of course he won't give it to you - you don't have a job! Send him out of the room so you can have some time along with the letter's resting place. Were you watching carefully when he closed the safe? For me the combo was left-left, right-right-right, left-left-left, right-right-right-right. Voila! One letter of credit. Head back to the shipyard.

The only one you even have a hope of getting is the dreaded Monkey Ship. Haggle back and forth, and threaten to leave a few times, and he'll eventually accept 5000 for it. Now you need a crew.

Head to the tattoo guy's place. He'll make you touch his dreaded monster ... a parrot. After that emotional moment, he joins with you. Next, go after the swordmaster. She gives in with an OK once you show her the pirate's note. Stop by the voodoo woman's shop, and she'll tell you that you need an ancient root ... and that the cannibals will either help or eat you. Lovely.

Back for crew member #3. This is the prisoner. Go into the tavern and grab two or three mugs. Go into the kitchen and pour the evil grog into a mug. Run for the prison cell. The grog will burn through at least one mug, but simply transfer it into another mug while you go, and you can make it to the cell. Pour the grog on the lock, and it'll burn right through it, freeing the prisoner.